Recipes

Recipe: Earl Grey meltaways

Recipes

Recipe: Earl Grey meltaways

Recipe developer and food stylist Tanya Eng channels a foggy London day with these tea-infused treats.

Nothing reminds us of England more than a hot cup of steeped tea on a blustery winters day. Except, perhaps, if that cuppa is enjoyed with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie delicately laced with the distinctive bergamot orange flavour of Earl Grey. Embodying all that’s cozy and comforting, such a soothing ritual has an irresistible appeal. Whether you’re enjoying your tea and cookies in a bustling Piccadilly shop on a rainy afternoon or sitting by the fire in your own home, the custom is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

Earl Grey Meltaways

Get step-by-step instructions for making these delicious Earl Grey Meltaways.

How to make Earl Grey meltaways

Ingredients Makes about 30 cookies

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp loose Earl Grey tea

¼ tsp salt

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup icing sugar + more for coating and dusting

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a blender, process the flour, tea and salt to a fine powder; add the almonds and pulse twice until the mixture resembles a coarse meal; set aside.

2 In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter and icing sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.

3 Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and roll into a 1½" diameter log. Wrap in parchment paper and chill for about 30 minutes, until the dough is firm.

4 Slice the dough into ½"-thick slices and arrange 1" apart on a baking sheet.

5 Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool for 2 minutes before tossing the cookies, a few at a time, in a bowl of icing sugar to coat. Dust with the additional icing sugar before serving.

Recipe: Lemon-glazed lavender shortbread cookies

Recipes

Recipe: Lemon-glazed lavender shortbread cookies

These sophisticated shortbread cookies are a wonderful pairing of citrus and herbs.

You're likely familiar with the wonderful results that come from pairing citrus and herbs, but our guess is that you tend to reach for rosemary or mint when preparing a lemony summer treat. Up the ante this month and try a combination that's a little more unexpected, but just as powerful. Delicate lavender imbues desserts with a distinct floral note and flecks of pale purple, and when combined with lemon, the flavour is even stronger. These elegant shortbread cookies are a satisfying snack and the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea in the garden -- complete with big hats and sundresses, of course.

Directions1 Cream the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in the flour, sugar and salt; beat on low speed for 1 minute. Add the lavender, beating until just incorporated.

2 Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll to a 1⁄4" thickness. Cut out the cookies using a round cookie cutter and place 1" apart on a greased baking sheet.

3 Bake on the centre rack of a 300°F oven for 20 minutes; let cool.

4 Make the glaze by whisking the icing sugar and lemon juice together. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the glaze over each cookie, spreading to cover the whole surface. Let set for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

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